Chapter 6
"What have we got, Sam?" Steve asked into his communicator. Sam was located on a nearby rooftop and had sent Redwing in to assess the situation.
"It looks like our boy just arrived. He brought an army with him. I lost count of how many guys that makes."
"Barton, go ahead and take your position."
Clint crept closer to the opening in the air duct so he could see what was going on.
"He's got a case open showing his merchandise to our buyer. Ready on your signal, Cap."
"Alright, everyone move in."
You, Cap, and Wanda took the front entrance while Rhodey, Sam, Natasha, and Vision took the rear. Clint silently dropped down to the landing beneath him. Drawing his bow, he tried to put the target in his sights.
"Cap, I don't have a clear shot."
"Just keep your eyes on him. If it opens up, take it."
Strolling in at his own leisure, Steve said in a raised voice, "You know, my mom always taught me that it was rude to show up uninvited, but you just didn't give us any other choice."
"I wouldn't try it if I were you," Rhodey said, directing his mounted gun at the men going for their weapons.
"The Avengers," their leader said as he raised his hands in the air in a gesture of surrender. "Somehow I always knew this day would come."
You noticed that one of his hands looked slightly clenched. Moving up to flank Steve on his right, you said, "Whatever you're holding, drop it."
"Sure thing, sweetheart."
Before his hand opened, he clenched it tighter for only a second. The next moment, you were lying flat on your back as the world spun around you.
"Y/n? Are you okay?" Steve asked as he crouched over you.
There was a ringing in your ears, and you heard the sounds of gunfire, but you were no worse for wear as Steve dragged you to your feet.
"Son of a bitch had one of his own men wired," you muttered as you looked at the bloody mess left behind.
Coming to your senses, you quickly moved for cover while Steve used his shield to protect you. Pulling your guns, you started taking aim and firing. Clint was making his way down the stairs, releasing arrow after arrow as he did so. Wanda and Steve were on your left, and the rest of your team was working the other side of the building. At some point, Penguin and his people had moved to the far right of the building. Your targets were bunkered down in the center of the room, using their vehicles for cover. Obviously they believed in preparation, because their cars were equipped with bulletproof armor.
"We aren't getting anywhere like this," Steve said. "Wanda, get those cars out of the way. Rhodey, Vision, and I will move in first. The rest of you come in after. Now!"
You ducked when Wanda sent the vehicles moving in every direction. Steve seized the opportunity and rushed forward until he was behind the car that landed closest to him. Once he was protected, he threw his shield and easily knocked out the two men nearest him. With it back in his hand, he moved closer in, and you took his spot. You glanced over when you felt a body beside you.
"I thought 'up there' was the perfect place for you?" you asked Clint while you both reloaded.
"Yeah, well, there's not much cover up there. Besides, I had to check on you," he replied, giving you a smile which you returned.
When you turned your attention back to the fight, you noticed one of them aiming his gun in Steve's direction. With him busy using his shield in offensive mode, he was momentarily a very vulnerable target.
"Cap, look out!" you yelled, pushing Clint back as you jumped up on the hood of the car in front of you. In one fluid movement, you simultaneously landed and fired your weapon. Immediately afterwards, you felt a strange pinching sensation in your chest, but it didn't matter. You had hit exactly where you were aiming: right between the eyes.
"Get down from there!" Clint yelled as he pulled you back.
You stumbled when your feet hit the floor, all of your catlike agility from moments earlier gone in the blink of an eye. You started coughing, and your chest hurt like hell when you did. Pulling your hand back from your mouth, you saw that it was spotted with blood.
"Clint, something's wrong," you struggled to say as you sank down to the ground. Clint pushed you back and unzipped your suit just far enough to confirm his worst fear.
"Cap, get over here! Y/n's been shot!"
Directing his attention to you, he took ahold of your face and said, "Hold on. It's going to be okay."
You wanted to say something as you stared up at first his worried face and then Steve's, but it was becoming harder and harder to breathe. What you did manage sounded more like a wet gurgle than words. Your vision began to grow dark, and the last thing you saw was Natasha's tear-stained face as she grabbed your hand tight.